Detention Officer

Under general supervision of the Detention Supervisor, the Detention Officer performs all duties necessary for the successful operation of the Detention Facility. Performs booking procedures into and out of the municipal detention facility and monitoring the care of the prisoners in the detention facility.

Must be available to work any shift, holidays and/or weekends. The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this position. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description and incumbent(s) may be required to perform position-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description.

Performs booking procedures into/out of the municipal detention facility, including logging in of property, recording names into the arrest book and onto the computer, fingerprinting, photographing, and conducting a secondary search for weapons/drugs before putting prisoners into cells. May administer intoxilyzer tests and video tape persons arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Monitors care of prisoners in the detention facility, including meals, responding to medical emergencies within the facility and summoning paramedics when needed, showers, visitors, and telephone calls. Issue prisoner towels and personal hygiene articles.

May be required to dispense medication as prescribed. Provides Security and Monitors prisoners during arraignment proceedings. Escorts prisoners from on area to another, including out-of-building escorts as required.

May be required to transfer prisoners to and from area detention facilities in city vehicle. Visually, and through use of remote video surveillance equipment, performs cell checks to monitor prisoner status and behavior. Explains bail and bond-out options to prisoners charged with offenses; accepts bail, bonds, or fines from and completes release forms for prisoners.

Locks cell doors take physical action to prevent escapes and/or assaults, subdue combative/violent prisoners. Facilitate prisoner visitations with relatives and legal counsel. Assists in preparing appropriate documentation to ensure the timely transfer of prisoners.

Attend/testify in all criminal and civil courts when summoned. Assist the public and Departmental personnel with requests by telephone, in written communications, and in person. Stock office supply inventories and monitor detention center equipment and supplies.

Cleans detention facilities. May be required to provide training, guidelines, and instruction to newly hired detention officers. Other Important Duties:

Maintains various paper and computer records. Prepares reports as required. Attend training schools/seminars and other City related events which may require occasional overnight travel.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential. Knowledge of cash handling procedures, including the ability to accurately collect and county money and to make change.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and procedure applicable to incarceration of prisoners and civil rights. Knowledge of penal codes as they relate to incarceration of prisoners. Knowledge of internal detention security and order standards Health and safety standards applicable to Detention facilities.

Knowledge of the order and decorum standards for appearing and testifying in court. Proficient in the use of computers and related equipment, hardware, and software. Must be able to type 20 words per minute.

Skill in effective oral and written communications including preparation and presentation of reports and materials Skill in resolving customer complaints and concerns. Knowledge of customer service and training methods and practices. Knowledge of City policies and procedures.

Education, Experience, and Certifications: High School Diploma or GED. Must obtain certificate of completion of Basic Jailer training program within one (1) year of employment.

Must be able to successfully complete training in defensive tactics within one (1) year of employment and maintain proficiency in defense tactics. Must be a United States citizen. Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.

Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, polygraph, psychological examination, physical agility test, criminal background check and MVR check. Must possess a valid State of Texas Driver's License. Work is performed in office and on-site environments.

Maintains level of physical fitness to safely respond and assist other detention officers when necessary. Must be able to restrain hostile and/or combative individuals. Balancing - maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching.

Climbing - ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps, requires body agility. Crawling - moving about on hands, knees, or hands, feet. Crouching - bending body forward by bending leg, spine.

Feeling - perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips. Fingering - picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand. Grasping - applying pressure to object with fingers, palm.

Handling - picking, holding, or working with whole hand. Hearing 1 - perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information. Hearing 2 - receive detailed information, make discrimination in sound.

Kneeling - bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees. Lifting - raising objects from lower to higher position, moving objects side to side, using upper extremities, back. Mental Acuity - ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning.

Pulling - use upper extremities to exert force, haul or tug. Pushing - use upper extremities to press against objects with force, or thrust forward, downward, outward. Reaching - extending hands or arms in any direction.

Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers. Speaking - expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely. Standing - for sustained periods of time.

Stooping - bending body downward, forward at waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back. Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word. Talking 2 - shouting to be heard above ambient noise.

Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading. Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision. Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.

Visual Acuity 5 -close acuity for inspection of small defects, machines, use measurement devices, or fabricate parts. Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site. Work Environment:

Work performed is primarily medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Equipment and Tools Utilized: Proficiently operate all equipment in the Detention facility, including typewriter, video and audio equipment, computer terminal, multi-line telephone, photography equipment, cell door locks, personal alarms, two-way radio, intercom system, emergency breathing apparatus, food preparation equipment, calculator, laundry equipment and other related equipment as required.

Equipment utilized includes personal computer, copier, calculator, fax machine, other standard office equipment, hand tools, computer peripherals and department vehicles. Operates computerized equipment such as electronic finger printer, computer imaging, computerized jail management system, NCIC/TCIC Computer System.